03/31/2026
Text Neck Syndrome – have you ever heard of this term? This genuine condition impacting tens of thousands of individuals yearly, many unaware they have it—though they experience its effects.
Text Neck Syndrome, medically known as Anterior Head Syndrome, is a condition whereas the muscles of the neck have strain on them from looking down at electronic devices for extended periods of time.
Every time one looks down, there is a certain amount of pressure exerted on the neck muscles and spine. These cervical muscles become weakened over time and cause cervical pain and discomfort. What muscles are affected by this condition? Muscle groups include, neck muscles, shoulder muscles, upper back muscles, tendons and ligaments and the cervical spine.
In its normal state (looking forward, no tilt), the human head places 10-12 pounds of pressure on neck muscles. This is our basic anatomy; however, lowering your head just 15 degrees, exerts up to 27 pounds of pressure on cervical muscles and the spine. The more you look down or the degree of angle of the head leaning forward, the more pressure placed on the above group of muscles – upwards of 60 pounds of pressure! That’s the weight of a small child.
You may be asking yourself, “Ok, I have this condition, but what are the complications? It can’t be that serious right?” The answer is several complications and yes, it is serious including irreparable damage to the cervical spinal muscles.
Complications from Text Neck Syndrome include; chronic pain if the condition is left untreated. Muscle imbalance because of the constant strain on neck muscles and ligaments, affecting posture and overall musculoskeletal health. Degenerative Disk Disease because of the increased pressure on the cervical spine due to poor posture leading to an acceleration of wearing and tearing of the intervertebral discs. Nerve compression is another condition associated with Text Neck. Compression of the neck’s nerves over a period of time, leading to radiculopathy (we know it as pinched nerves) causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the arms and hands.
Finally, spinal misalignment – that unnatural curvature of the spine (think of having a hunched upper back).
While this all sounds foreboding, don’t fear, Anterior Head Syndrome can be treated. Treatments include physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain management techniques such as massage or gentle stretching. And of course, you know this girl is going to reinforce it – exercise, exercise and exercise.
Personally, I also use specific essential oils to help manage the discomfort often associated with Text Neck Syndrome and muscle discomfort, such as Deep Blue Oil/Rub/or Stick (with Copaiba). Copaiba oil by itself or in a capsule (works with the body’s CB2 receptors) and Frankincense for its ability to reduce inflammation, improve circulation and supporting nerve health through its active constituents of Boswellic acids (these inhibit inflammatory enzymes and help in pain signaling).
Did you find this interesting? Let me know if you'd like more content such as this.
